College: Is it really necessary?

[reeay]

Seems like you are an independent type learner, e.g.,self-motivated. Findings jobs or educational programs is somewhat like finding a marriage partner. Ideally there is a good-fit with what is important for both of you. We all learn in different ways. Perhaps finding the optimal learning environment may help e.g., learning on-the-job, or classroom setting+apprenticeship, or independent studies, etc.

University-level studies is an option based on personal/professional goals, which is an open option for the rest of one's life.

Being a mature student/adult-learner is also an enriching experience, if you decide to go to school later on. Having life & work experience is valuable in programs for adult learners - that intersection between knowledge and real life experience makes for a real fascinating learning experience. Adult learning programs emphasize life experience as an important part of learning, thus, they tend to be less about boring one-way lectures and more about learning from each other. Adult learning programs typically respect and highly value one's life experiences, thus they want to create an environment where knowledge is shared, while also balancing this with theoretical/technical learning. But these things may differ, program by program.

Is the issue around dropping out part of a deeper issue? You're in your early 20s right?